Share this article

Struggling Herd host twin-bill

The Buffalo Bisons aim to stop their slide down the International League standings Friday at 5:35 p.m. when they host their Thruway rivals, the Rochester Red Wings, for a doubleheader at Coca-Cola Field.

The Bisons entered their off day Thursday in fourth place in the IL North standings, three games behind the Red Wings. The Herd has dropped the first four games of an eight-game homestand, including a three-game series sweep at the hands of Indianapolis that concluded Wednesday with a 2-1 defeat.

As a result, the Bisons’ home record has dropped to 13-12.

Rochester is coming off a day off Thursday, as well.

Roster move: The parent Toronto Blue Jays optioned right-handed pitcher Scott Copeland to the Bisons on Thursday. Copeland, 27, has gone 3-1 with a 2.43 earned-run average in six starts with the Herd in 2015. He’s played in two games with the Blue Jays, throwing three innings.

Probables: Right-hander Miguel Castro is scheduled to start the first game for the Bisons. The 20-year-old is 0-1 with a 1.74 ERA in four starts this year. He’ll be opposed by Rochester’s Pat Dean (4-3, 2.47 ERA). In the second game, which is the makeup of a game postponed April 10 because of wind, left-hander Jeff Francis (1-0, 3.00 ERA) is scheduled to take the hill for the Bisons against Tyler Duffey (0-1, 2.57).

Mound men: Herd pitchers continue to lead the International League with a 2.79 team ERA.

Promotion: The usual fridaynightbash! will also be Social Media night. Gates open at 5 p.m. and it’s a single-admission doubleheader. Before the game, fans can win tickets by answering trivia questions or by “liking” a photo through Twitter (@BuffaloBisons), Facebook (facebook.com/GoBisons) and Instagram (@BuffaloBisons). During the game, there will be several promotions on those social media platforms.